Former Michigan State University president Lou Anna Simon is officially retiring from the university.
MSU announced Simon’s retirement on Tuesday, as most of the news media’s attention was on the first of two Democratic presidential debates in Detroit.
Simon stepped down as university president 18 months ago amid pressure stemming from the Larry Nassar scandal. But she has remained on the MSU faculty, though Simon took a leave of absence to defend herself against charges she lied to police during the Nassar investigation. Her attorneys maintain her innocence.
“Our campus community is continuing its healing, and the Board of Trustees feel the retirement of Dr. Simon is best for the university,” says Dianne Byrum, chairperson of the Board of Trustees.
Simon is getting $2.45 million in her retirement package. She also will receive her vested retirement and other benefits.
Simon joined MSU as a faculty member in 1974. She served as president from 2005 to 2018.
Her retirement is effective August 31st.
